Apprentice Finance Review

On a day to day basis I process invoices and fill out corresponding approval sheets, handle the accounts email folder and respond to incoming internal and external emails. update the invoice tracker and vehicle hire sheets, emailing out for approvals on the hire vehicles to line managers and drivers. I also set up new job numbers on our accounting software and add and subtract liabilities.

Since starting my apprenticeship straight out of school I have learnt many new skills including formal email writing, greater understanding of excel, importance of time management and planning. I have also learnt skills like double entry bookkeeping, preparing and posting journals etc through my apprenticeship that then gets applied in my job role.

I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship, it has provided a solid foundation of knowledge for job roles within finance and a challenging project setting where I have been able to apply the knowledge gained during studying for the qualification into the workplace

The structure was very simple and easy to understand, for example what module comes next was very accessible. However In terms of organisation booking exams took a few weeks due to my location to exam centres which prolonged the course for me but to no fault of the program or training provider.

The support from my employer was excellent, my line manager was always interested in how I was doing and present in my reviews providing help or support whenever requested making sure any topics covered in my qualification was integrated within my work.

During the qualification there are many resources the training provider gives access to, these included exam practice resources as well as extra videos on specific topics. They were also extremely accessible with a talent coach that you have regular meetings with to ensure you are on target but also a student support email where you are able to email questions you have on the topics.

Doing the qualification has really helped me develop in my job role as it has given me more confidence and has allowed me to take on more responsibilities as my knowledge and understanding increases.

There has been some really good social activities in the past however due to the teams locations across the UK in person get togethers are quite rare.

Yes

Costain is a really supporting and positive environment to work, especially as a apprentice where you are given the tools to become a valued and productive member of the team while being able to ask any questions without judgement, this personally has really helped develop my confidence in my role.

Some advice I would give would be to have integrity and be honest at all times, for example just asking a question instead of completing something the wrong way as although it might be a silly question its better to complete things right the first time instead of causing problems.